20-21 October 2026
Energy Efficiency for Europe participated in the 3rd International ESCO Symposium in Madrid, organised by ANESE and the Global ESCO Network. The two-day event brought together representatives from across the global Energy Service Company (ESCO) sector to exchange perspectives on the development of ESCO markets worldwide.
The symposium painted an encouraging picture of the strength and growing reach of the ESCO model across the world. Whilst many challenges remain common across regions, ESCO markets continue to grow, supported by greater awareness, trust and capacity building, as reflected in the findings of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2026 Global ESCO Market report.
Across the exchanges on regulation, financing and public-private partnerships, a recurring priority was the need to improve understanding of the ESCO model, alongside ensuring sufficient public support and enabling regulatory frameworks to help markets develop.
Energy Efficiency for Europe’s Secretary General Valérie Plainemaison moderated the panel “Policies for ESCO Market Development”, which explored the conditions needed to support ESCO market growth. The panel brought together Oliverio Alonso (ANESE), Ricardo Velázquez (AMENEER), Sinovuyo Noji (SANEDI), Tetsuya Maekawa (JAESCO) and Amlan Panda (Energeia), who shared valuable perspectives and experiences from their respective ESCO markets.
In particular, panellists highlighted the importance of favourable national public procurement rules encouraging Energy Performance Contracting in public buildings, market-based instruments such as energy savings certificates, and the public sector leading by example, both as a client and as a legislator.
Overall, the symposium provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections within the global ESCO community and exchange experiences on the policies and market conditions needed to support its continued development. Energy Efficiency for Europe warmly thanks ANESE and the Global ESCO Network for bringing together stakeholders from across the world and showcasing the growing contribution of ESCOs to the energy transition.